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Breed Introduction

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog (English name: Polish Lowland Sheepdog) is a type of herding and guarding dog, originating in the 16th century. Initially used for gun hunting, it is now commonly kept as a companion dog and herding dog. Its ability to herd and work is attributed to a strong desire to please and its nature. It is lively yet controlled, intelligent, comprehensible, and has an excellent memory.

It has a medium body size, is resistant to cold, adapts well to city life, requires regular grooming, and needs plenty of exercise, with an average lifespan of 13-15 years.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog has its roots in Poland, and its origins date back to at least the 16th century. One of the ancestors of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog was the Hungarian Puli. Before the 16th century, these long-haired lowland sheepdogs, standing 19-22 inches tall, were used for herding and guarding. These dogs exhibited physical characteristics of both Polish and Pomeranian breeds at that time.

It is said that in 1514, Poles sailed to Scotland, exchanged grain for a flock of sheep, and brought six Lowland Sheepdogs to help them tend the flock. The Scots exchanged a pair of breeding sheep for two females and one male Polish Lowland Sheepdog, thus these three dogs became ancestors of the Scottish Collie.

By the time of World War II, the Lowland Sheepdog reportedly suffered catastrophic losses and neared extinction, but thanks to a Polish veterinarian, whose male dog and six females survived, this breed was preserved.

Due to sharing ancestry with the long-haired collie, their appearance characteristics are very similar, except that the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is relatively smaller in size. It has a stable, confident temperament. From a very young age, it requires a dominant owner and consistent training. Without these, it may exhibit dominance over its owner. When not used as a herding dog or working dog, it can appear as noble as it looks, fitting any lifestyle. It is very loyal, but somewhat aloof and suspicious of strangers.